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My favorite picture of 2009.
I'm stealing this from a neighbors blog :)
1.) What did you do in 2009 that you've never done before?
Painted a wall in the house "hot cocoa", rescued a cat and kept her! Planted a huge garden and enjoyed the abundance of delicious veggies, dyed my hair brown, Ryan graduated from college, reconnected with family.
2.) Did you keep your New Year's resolutions?
Nope, because we don't make them. Resolutions are made to be broken, so why make them at all?
3.) Did anyone close to you give birth?
A few friends had babies, we were just thankful that it wasn't us for a change! We are however looking forward to the awaited arrival of baby Edwards this March!
4.) Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no. We did have some unexpected diagnosis of bad health in our family this year, but are beyond grateful to have not lost anyone.
5.) What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A better understanding of the Bible and more "me" time.
6.) What did you do on vacation?
We spent 2 weeks in Malibu, camping on the water. Then several weekend trips camping as well as 5 days at my sisters house.
7.) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Celebrating 10 years of marriage. Been together 13 years but are so proud to have made it to 10 years and can say that growing old together is amazing! We went to Seattle again to celebrate!
8.) What was your biggest failure?
Wasting time and emotion arguing with people. I need to learn to let things go.
9.) Did you suffer illness or injury?
My weird week of fainting spells. Undiagnosed? Am thankful to say it must have been a fluke?
10.) What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The girls shopping trip to Mall of America in Minnesota! So much fun! Can't wait for the trip in 2010!!
11.) What was the best thing you bought?
I have to say the diamond anniversary band Ryan got me for our anniversary! In our friend Willies words, my finger is shrinking!
12.) What day from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 24th, when I saw my husband graduate! All those nights I sat alone while he sat in a classroom paid off!
13.) Where did most of your money go?
Mortgage payments and Daycare hands down!
14.) What song will always remind you of 2009?
Fifteen by Taylor Swift, because the little ladies in the house play it obsessively! So much so that if it happens to come on the radio, the 3 year old in the house will scream TAYLOR SWIFT!
15.) Compared to this time last year, are you?
• Happier or sadder? - Happier and content
• Thinner or fatter? - Fatter for sure. Ryan lost all the weight and I found it
• Richer or poorer? - Poorer, the economy sucks! Ryan took a pay cut and I work in the mortgage industry, need I say more?
16.) How did you spend Christmas?
With family. Christmas Eve with my family, Christmas Day with Ryan's Mom, Christmas Night with my family and Sunday with Ryan's Dad, sister and Step-mom
17.) What do you wish you'd done more of?
Church. We started back faithfully in August, so we wasted a big portion of the year with excuses.
18.) What do you wish you'd done less of?
Refer to number 8. Life is too short to argue and hold grudges.
19.) What was your favorite month of 2009 and why?
I don't have a favorite. There's too many memories in all the months to chose just one. For instance January because I spent a fun weekend away with my mom and Roxanne, March because my husband turned 30, or each of the kids birthdays, April because of Seattle, May because Ryan graduated, June because my oldest handsome nephew graduated, August because of Vacation, November because of Minnesota, ect.
20.) What was your greatest musical discovery?
Thats random because I listen to everything!
21.) What concerts did you attend?
None this year
22.) What was the best book you read?
Toss up between the Twilights series and My Sisters Keeper. I cried and cried and cried!
23.) What did you want and get?
More time with Ryan and the kids relaxing and we did this year. I had 4 weeks vacation and 6 personal days and soaked up the time.
24.) What did you want and not get?
A raise
25.) What was your favorite movie of this year?
Fireproof, we watch it all the time.
26.) What did you do on your birthday?
We went to the Melting Pot with my parents and 4 sets of close friends and for Ryan's we had a little party with all of our families.
27.) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If there was no such thing as Stress
28.) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Well I'm a brand whore. So anything thats DKNY, Ann Taylor Loft, Coach and Steve Madden
29.) What kept you sane?
FAITH
30.) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Um, none. I don't really follow that stuff.
31.) What political issue stirred you the most?
Our President, period.
32.) What was a much needed change?
learning how to shop with coupons. Sounds lame but the kids are eating me out of the house!
33.) Who did you miss?
Stacey Jean. We saw each-other in April and July, but I wish there wasn't so many miles between us!
34.) Who was the best new person you met?
New.....old....We reconnected with my cousin Shane and his wife Bree. After not seeing or speaking for 10 years, we're defiantly making up for lost time. We see them no less then once usually 2 or more times a week.
36.) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009?
I finally understand the "life's to short" saying and fully intend on making the most of my time, my energy, my emotions and my life.
Ryan and his siblings met up with our super talented photographer friend Michelle and took pictures for their father for Christmas. They did some at the old train depot in town as well as a little secluded area that Michelle knew about.
Here are some of my favorites!
And last but not least a picture of my husband that shows how Michelle captured his personality to a tee.
For almost 2 months a slim vase has been occupied with budding roses of various colors next my sink in the bathroom. Every Sunday the old ones disappear and new fresh ones appear.
Last weekend I caught the flower delivery guy. Uh huh, in my backyard in the rose bushes. He just smiled, saying nothing, and proceeded to go on about his way, walking past me and headed upstairs to refill the vase.
I love being greeted every morning with the scent of roses, but I love even more the kind, loving, romantic delivery man.
We managed to have 3 Christmas's this year.
The first being Christmas Eve at my parents and Christmas Day at our home. Then with each of Ryans parents.
Totals:
8 pounds of fudge
8 batches of toffee
11 peanut brittle
3 dozen chocolate pumpkin cookies
6 dozen chocolate gooey cookies
10 pounds of homemade spicy beef jerky
YEP....Betty Crocker ain't got nothing on us!
Christmas light sightseeing at the Mission
on Friday night with Clint and Christina was great! We had dinner and walked the Mission and all the surrounding streets.
The kids loved watching the ice skaters and listening to the carolers. Ethan and Dean found some "elfs" and acted like hams for the camera!
Then Saturday Holly and Charlie came over for a HUGE Christmas breakfast! After stuffing ourselves and talking, we opened gifts
That night we went to a party at a friends house, where they went all out! Literally! They had a bouncer and a mechanical bull delivered to entertain the kids and teenagers! After the party we ventured back home and my cousin and his family came over for some late night games and ice-cream. I kicked his rear at a round of Apples to Apples and his wife won the second round.
Yesterday my mom and I baked our hearts out! More to come on that one!
2 days ago while getting my hair done, as I do every 8 weeks, I decided to be bold and change colors....drastic colors...For the first time in my 30 years I am not blonde!
My hairdresser was shocked at my request, but didn't question it she just did it. The new color is called Chestnut.
After 2 hours at the salon i walked through the door and Ryan was shocked! He scooped me up in his arms with the biggest grin and said he LOVED it! (Whoo Hoo) I like it and love how blue it makes my eyes look!!!
I've had many different reactions from family, friends and coworkers and my favorite was while cuddling on the couch when my husband said he felt like he was having an affair!
We have been on several dates over the past week. I was able to get a photo from Ryan's Christmas party at the Hilton.
Our winter garden has sprouted, we now have 4 kinds of radishes, broccoli, winter squash, green onions, lettuce, jalapenos and yellow onions. Christian picked a few heads of broccoli over the weekend and I made the most delicious veggie and chicken pizza.
Madyson got a student of the month award last Thursday. I went to her assembly and was not only able to see her get her award, but also to see her class perform 3 Christmas songs.
Both Saturday and Sunday we got special Christmas deliveries from Friends. The first was a basket of homemade jam and bread from Shane and Bree. All I can say is mmmmmmmm!
Next was a platter from Aaron and Michelle, complete with 6 of each item for our family of 6...so cute and yummy!
Miss Olivia was fixed on Friday and has not skipped a beat! She's just as playful and sassy as she always is. She has a new favorite place to perch.
I had ugly Christmas Sweater bunco at my house, but fortunately for the girls didn't take any pictures. Let me just say there were indeed some VERY hideous Christmas outfits that night!
Last week was emotionally exhusting. This week I will be better about posting.
